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The event is taking place 100 days after the RAF's official 100th birthday and will see more than a thousand servicemen and women taking part in a parade on The Mall before the historic flypast.

A range of planes from different eras of the RAF's history will join the flypast, including Spitfires, Hurricanes, Chinook helicopters and the iconic Red Arrows.

Here is everything you need to know about the flypast:

When and where will I see the aircraft?

A formation, consisting of around 25 types of aircraft, will leave Ipswich at around 12.45pm, heading over Colchester, Witham and Chelmsford on their way to Buckingham Palace for around 1pm.

Air Chief Marshal, Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Stephen Hillier, said: "This once-in-a-lifetime flypast will provide an iconic centrepiece for the RAF100 celebrations."

Those not in the area will also be able to watch the flypast on BBC One, with coverage starting at 9.30am and finishing at 1.20pm.

A live stream will also be available on BBC iPlayer.

What order will the planes fly in?

Some of the world's finest aircrafts will be on show for the RAF100 flypast, with Essex residents getting a rare opportunity to see the famous military machines with their own eyes.

These are the RAF100 aircraft to look out for and the order they will fly in:

What aircraft will we see?

1. Puma HC2

(Image: Ministry of Defence)

The original Puma HC Mk1 reached its Out of Service date with the Royal Air Force in December 2012, but after a life extension programme to deliver a significantly upgraded aircraft, the Puma HC Mk2 took to the skies with an RAF crew in September 2013.

The Puma HC Mk2 boasts two brand new, powerful engines that provide it with a major increase in performance - especially in hot and high conditions.

It also has an additional internal fuel tank that increases its range and endurance.

The helicopter has a new glass cockpit that includes a world-class four axis digital autopilot, secure communications and an advanced Flight Management System.

2. Chinook HC4

(Image: Ministry of Defence)

The Chinook HC4 is an impressive tandem rotor helicopter that was introduced with the Royal Air Force back in 1980.

In 2008, a programme was launched to upgrade 46 Chinook helicopters.

Further improvements were made and in July 2017, it was revealed that 38 HC4 Chinook helicopters would be upgraded further to HC6A standard, which replaces the analogue flight control systems with the Boeing Digital Automatic Flight Control System.

It is widely expected that the Chinook will remain in service until the 2040s.

3. Juno H135

(Image: Royal Air Force)

The Airbus Helicopters H135 Juno are used to bring helicopter training into the modern era, but will also ensure continuity and a logical progression for students through the UK Military Flying Training System.

They have the capability to reach speeds of up to 278km/h (140kt).

Juno will be used for student courses at the Defence Helicopter Flying School at RAF Shawbury in 2018.

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The A400M Atlas is relatively new with the Royal Air Force, having started operational service in 2014.

It has the ability to carry a 37-tonne payload over 2,000nm to establish and remote civilian and military airfields.

Atlas often accommodates as many as 116 fully-equipped troops, vehicles, helicopters, mixed loads, airload pallet or combinations of vehicles, pallets and personnel.

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14. C-17 Globemaster

(Image: Ministry of Defence)

The C-17 Globemaster is enormous and capable of rapid, strategic delivery of troops and cargo to the main operating bases around the world.

It can transport 100,000lb (or 45,360kg) of freight at more than 8,334km, while flying at altitudes above 35,000ft.

The design of the aircraft allows for high-angle, steep approaches at relatively slow speeds, which allows it to operate into small airfields and onto runways as short as 3,500ft long and 90ft wide.

15. BAE146

(Image: Ministry of Defence)

The BAE 146 is tasked in the Command Support Air Transport (CSAT) role, which simply put means that it transports senior government ministers, Ministry of Defence personnel and senior members of the Royal Family.

It is a quiet, rugged, self-sufficient aircraft equipped with comprehensive back-up systems. This enables it to operate away from base for long periods with little external support.

16. Sentinel

(Image: Royal Air Force)

The Royal Air Force's Sentinel provides long-range, wide-area battlefield surveillance to deliver critical intelligence and target tracking information to British forces.

It uses a powerful radar to help the crew to identify, track and image numerous targets over great ranges, before passing the information in near real time to friendly forces.

The 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review nominated Sentinel for withdrawal as soon as the Operation Herrick commitment ended, but it continues to prove its worth and the out of service date has been moved back to 2021.

17. Voyager

(Image: Ministry of Defence)

The Voyager is the Royal Air Force's only air-to-air refuelling tanker.

The aircraft is fitted with two underwing pods that can refuel fast jets and has an additional centreline hose that is used by large aircrafts.

Fuel is offloaded from the aircraft's standard wing and fuselage tanks, which leaves the cabin free for up to 291 personnel and the hold available for freight.

18. Rivet Joint RC-135W

(Image: Ministry of Defence)

Rivet Joint RC-135W is a dedicated electronic surveillance aircraft that can be employed in all strategic and tactical missions.

The sensors ‘soak up’ electronic emissions from communications, radar and other systems.

19. E-3D Sentry

(Image: Ministry of Defence)

Commonly known as the Airborne Warning and Control System, the E-3D Sentry AEW.Mk1 is an airborne early warning, command and control aircraft.

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team is known worldwide as the Red Arrows. They are one of the world's premier aerobatic display teams.

Representing the speed, agility and precision of the Royal Air Force, the team is the public face of the service.

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Flying distinctive Hawk fast-jets, the team is made up of pilots, engineers and essential support staff with frontline, operational experience. Together, they demonstrate the excellence and capabilities of the Royal Air Force and the Service’s skilled, talented people.